Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/184881
Tribute ("Our Leader's Legacy" continued from page 29) full-time leadership going forward, will be the third-party voice that can make an economic case that oil and gas companies can't make on their own. One of the first tasks of the new organization will be conducting a major study seeking to measure the economic and employment impact of the oil and gas supply chain. And one of EEIA's first major theatres of operation will be in Colorado, where a strong "fracktivist" movement is threatening to put a hydraulic fracturing ban on the state ballot in November 2014. "The public has to be assured that (1.) fracking won't impair water and air quality, and (2.) that the economic advantages are overwhelmingly positive," Toby said. "The problem is, there are strong forces that oppose fossil fuel consumption of any kind. They are channeling their focus and resources on Colorado for a major showdown." EEIA will be an active force in the debate, rallying local suppliers, including equipment dealers, in the heated battle for hearts and minds of the public. Lessons and Achievements Over the course of a decade spent in constructing a powerful advocacy engine for AED, Toby says a key lesson he's gained has to do with keeping your focus squarely on the issues and not letting debates get personal. Paraphrasing the words of a British diplomat, Toby said, "There are no friends and there are no enemies, there are only interests. And it's so true – when you're working in Washington, you have to be very cognizant that your opponent on one issue may be your best friend on another. You never burn a bridge." As effective as Toby has been in developing AED on the public policy front, advocacy and the strategic planning After withstanding a handful of major floods over the years, AED's headquarters succumbed to high water on July 23, 2010, and was subsequently condemned by the Village of Oak Brook, Ill. It is scheduled to be torn down this fall, and the scenic property will become a park. P.D. "Bud" Hermann (left) retired in 1989 after ensuring a smooth change of the guard for AED – Toby was officially introduced to the membership at the 1990 convention in Chicago. upon which it was built are not his only achievements. Another big area of industry need is education and workforce development, and to answer that challenge, Toby and a few other visionary AED leaders spearheaded the creation of The AED Foundation, which was chartered in 1991. Just prior to his arrival at AED, an exploratory committee had determined that a foundation was not needed. But Toby said, "Let's take another look at this," and incoming 1991 AED President Earl Harbaugh, then president of Ditch Witch of Illinois/Wisconsin, strongly agreed, and together they made it happen. Today, The Foundation provides industryspecific professional education for dealer management personnel, as well as industry-leading strides in workforce development through AED Technical Standards, communitybased dealer-school relationships, and school accreditation. Under Toby's watch, AED brought Canadian members into the association beginning in January 2010. Expanding our coverage to include Canadian members was "one of the best moves we've made as an organization," he said. Toby has maintained high standards for leveraging technology, which has been critical in the dissemination of association, public policy, and industry information and getting member input. Also during his tenure, the Executive Forum was created in 1999, bringing a C-level strategic emphasis to AED's array of educational and networking events. And through numerous downturns, including the Great Recession of 2008, the effects of which still plague the industry, Toby has managed the fiscal affairs of AED with careful stewardship. "Through the peaks and valleys we've been able to keep the association in a solid financial position," he said. "One of the things I'm leaving my successor [not yet selected] is a very strong balance sheet." In fact, AED's only debt is one of gratitude to Toby Mack for his exemplary leadership and accomplishments for the association and the equipment industry. Thank you, Toby. n 30 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | October 2013 28_Toby_Mack_Feature_KP.indd 30 9/27/13 12:25 PM